Liverpool mourn the death of former defender Roque

25 June 2012 10:48

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Liverpool are mourning the death of their former player Miki Roque, who died in Barcelona at the age of 23 following a fight against cancer on Sunday.

Real Betis defender Roque, who underwent surgery to remove a tumour in his pelvis last year, came up through the ranks during four years at Liverpool between 2005 and 2009 and helped the club win the 2006 FA Youth Cup. He made one substitute appearance for the first team, against Galatasaray in December 2006, before moving to Betis in 2009.

A Liverpool statement read: "Liverpool Football Club was today saddened to hear news that former player Miki Roque has lost his battle with cancer aged 23. Everyone at Liverpool Football Club would like to send their thoughts to Miki's family at this sad time."

While at Anfield, Roque had loan spells with Oldham and Spanish sides Xerez and Cartagena before moving permanently to Betis, making his senior debut with the club in October 2010.

A Betis statement read: "The Real Betis player Miquel Roque Farrero, Miki Roque, died today at the Instituto Dexeus de Barcelona hospital at the age of 23.

"Miki Roque had been battling pelvic cancer since March 2011, a struggle that he fought with fortitude and determination.